With this type of award, RPB supports nationally recognized senior scientists conducting eye research at medical institutions in the United States. Pearlman, who has been on faculty at Case since 1994, will use the funds to study the immunology of the eye.

"Many diseases that lead to visual impairment and blindness have an immunological basis," said Pearlman. "This is true for infections of the eye, for transplantation, and even for diseases that until recently were not thought to have any immunological basis, including age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy."